There was a time when San Jose State used to get the best of San Diego State on a regular basis.

The Spartans won 14 of the first 17 games between the teams in a series that dates back to 1935.

It wasn’t until SDSU’s 52-7 win last year in San Jose that the Aztecs finally went ahead in the series 20-19-2.

It was the fifth straight win for SDSU against the Spartans, who last beat the Aztecs by a 38-34 score in 2012 at Qualcomm Stadium. It is San Jose State’s only win at the Mission Valley stadium in 10 games there between the teams.

SDSU (5-1, 2-0 Mountain West) is a heavy favorite in Saturday night’s game against San Jose State (0-6, 0-2), which is a 27 1/2-point underdog in the game.

About the Spartans

San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan seems like a glass 3/4 full kind of guy, but the Spartans’ week-to-week struggles must test even the most optimistic of coaches.

San Jose State finished 2-11 in Brennan’s first season a year ago. Matching that mark this season will be a challenge.

And just when it seems like there’s something to build on one week, comes something disastrous a week later.

San Jose State watched Colorado State score 28 unanswered points in their game two weeks ago, but didn’t quit. The Spartans posted a 30-point third quarter to take the lead before falling 42-30 to the Rams.

If that was about the best third quarter anyone could imagine, last week’s 52-3 loss to Army included about the worst third quarter possible.

San Jose State lost four fumbles to the Black Knights — all in the third quarter over 10 plays.

“Coming out of the Hawaii and Colorado State games I felt like we were playing better football,” Brennan said. “I was really excited about our progress. We had a great week of practice and I think Saturday was a step back. … when you turn the ball over on four consecutive possessions, it’s really going to flip the game fast, which it did.”

The Spartans’ biggest problem is that they are allowing nearly 20 points more a game than they’re scoring. Their scoring defense ranks 124th in the nation (41.3 ppg) while their scoring offense is tied for 115th (22.3 ppg).

SDSU has averaged nearly 40 points a game during its current five-game winning streak against San Jose State while allowing only 54 points. The Spartans have not scored more than a touchdown against the Aztecs in any of the past four games.

The offense

The San Jose State quarterback situation has seemed unsettled since two days before the season began when red-shirt freshman quarterback Terrell Carter, who starred at Madison High, announced he was transferring (he’s now at College of San Mateo).

The Spartans have played multiple quarterbacks in every game except their five overtime, 44-41 loss to Hawaii two weeks ago. It seems they identified their QB in the game as junior Josh Love completed 28 of 49 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns.

Love was injured the following week against Colorado State and missed last week’s game against Army while under concussion protocol. He is expected to return against the Aztecs.

There is extra pressure on the passing game, however, because San Jose State’s run game has been so bad. Make that terrible.The Spartans are averaging 50.3 yards a game rushing, which ranks last in the nation.

The defense

The Spartans have struggled to stop anyone rushing (94th with 182.5 ypg) or passing (120th with 290.3 ypg).

They have made some plays when the ball is in the air, however, intercepting nine passes. In fact, they had a streak of six straight games with an interception before it ended against Army, which was understandable since the Black Knights attempted only five passes in the game.

Linebacker Jesse Osuna and cornerback Dakari Monroe share the team lead with two picks apiece.

The most active player on defense is linebacker Jamal Scott, who leads the team with 63 tackles.

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